Drive Foothills Parkway (Cosby to I-40)

Drive Foothills Parkway between I-40 and Cosby

NPS

Overview

Looking for the road less traveled? Take Foothills Parkway East from Cosby, Tennessee, and climb 1,000 feet along Green Mountain for 5.6 miles (9 km) of sweeping views of the eastern Appalachians. Enjoy eagle-eye vistas of Cherokee National Forest, Cosby Valley, and Raines Knob from one of four scenic overlooks.

This section of the Foothills Parkway offers an ideal opportunity for visitors to take in the grandeur of the Smokies with ease. Accessible via Cosby or I-40, it provides a scenic alternative for those traveling to or from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can stretch their legs at the Cosby Picnic Area, only 6.5 miles from the Cosby entrance of Foothills Parkway. Cosby is known for its breathtaking landscape, quiet hikes, spring wildflowers, fall foliage, and old-growth forest. See the Foothills Parkway Overview for additional information.

This section of Foothills Parkway stretches from Cosby Highway by US 321 to I-40, Exit #443. Mileposts mark the distance from the Cosby Highway entrance.

For visitors traveling west to east, take U.S. 321 E and turn left onto Cosby Hwy.

• In 1.8 miles, turn right onto Foothills Parkway, beginning at an elevation of 1,363 feet.
• Mile 0.4: The Foothills Parkway sign, at 1,487 feet, has ample, undesignated parking spaces.
• Mile 1.4: Cosby Overlook, at 1,811 feet, faces southwest and has ample, undesignated parking spaces.
• Mile 2.2: Green Mountain Overlook, at 2,136 feet, faces southeast, making it a great location for sunrise chasers, and has ample, undesignated parking spaces.
• Mile 3.6: Allen Grove Overlook, at 1,948 feet, faces northwest and has ample, undesignated parking spaces.
• Mile 4.7: Greasy Cove Overlook and Foothills Parkway, at 1,603 feet, faces northwest and has ample, undesignated parking spaces.
• Mile 5.6: The Foothills Parkway East via Cosby terminates at Interstate 40 at Exit 443.

Length

5.6 miles (9.01 km) one-way

Parking

Ample parking is available at four scenic overlooks along the parkway. Don't forget your parking tag.

Nearest Restroom

Cosby Picnic Area (available seasonally)

Similar Routes

• Lakeview Drive
• Foothills Parkway (Chilhowee to Walland)
• Foothills Parkway (Walland to Wears Valley) 

Details

Activity

Scenic Driving

Pets Allowed

Yes

The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.

Activity Fee

Yes

A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

There are no marked accessible parking spaces in the overlooks on this scenic drive.